MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING THE NUMBER OF AMUSEMENT DEVICES NON-ARCADE BUSINESSES CAN HAVE

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 853-A,
sponsored by Council Members Comrie, Gennaro, Palma, Seabrook, Weprin, White and
Mealy. This bill increases the number of amusement devices a business can
have without being licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs as an
arcade.

"During this period of economic hardship, our
Administration is doing everything we can to help small business owners cut
through red tape and keep their businesses moving forward. This
legislation provides a small measure of relief to owners of various
establishments around the City who have between five and ten arcade games on
their premises - all while maintaining truancy safeguards to ensure that kids
don't patronize these places when they should be in school.

"I would like to thank Consumer Affairs Commissioner
Jonathan Mintz, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and their staff for their work on
this bill. I would also like to thank the Council for approving this
legislation."